TWO Burnley directors today robustly denied ex-Clarets goalkeeper Peter Mellor was the man heading a mystery Turf Moor takeover bid.

Mellor's name was on every fans' lips at York last weekend and at Thursday's meeting of Burnley's Independent Supporters Club several supporters claimed that Mellor was the man.

And rumours were fuelled even further when Mellor's name was quoted several times on the unoffical Burnley FC Internet website - including a man from California who claimed that Mellor would step in at Turf Moor before Christmas.

But director Bob Blakeborough described the increasing rumours as 'pure tittle-tattle' and said: "The name is one I've heard but to my knowledge we've not had any approach.

"We've absolutely NO written offer from any individual or any consortium to buy Burnley.

"I know we've been linked to somebody from America but this just seems a lot of conjecture and pure tittle-tattle'."

He added: "We had an initial approach from somebody in America but there was absolutely nothing to suggest that they are going to buy the club." Mellor, who made 81 appearances for the Clarets in the 1970s, later moved to the States where he now heads a higly successful construction comapany in Florida.

Vice-chairman Dr David Iven added: "To my knowledge there is absolutely nothing in this.

"There is just no substance in the rumours. In fact, we've never even discussed the name of Peter Mellor at boardroom level.

"I think one or two people are trying to stir it a little bit."

Dr Iven, meanwhile, threw his weight behind player-manager Chris Waddle.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat at York City left Burnley rooted to the foot of Division Two with three points from their first seven league games.

"It wasn't the start we wanted but we've every confidence that Chris will get the results," said Dr Iven.

"I am quite satisfied about that.

"The supporters showed their great loyalty to the club once again at York.

"To have over 2,000 fans at York was very special and they deserve every credit.

"I'd just ask them to stick by us and we will turn it around together. We just have to show a little patience."

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